Universal rotary equipment for earth drilling



Dal 4. 1,518,325

F. w. HILD UNIVERSAL ROTARY EQUIPMENT FOR EARTH DRILLING Filed March 3, 1923 e Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. FEEDER/C 14/. ML 0,

A TTORNE Y.

Dec. 9, 1924. 1,518,325

F. W. HILD UNIVERSAL ROTARY EQUIPMENT FOR EARTH DRILLING Filed March 5, 1923 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 (III,

llllllllm IN VEN TOR.

% I I v ATTORNEY.

fkEDER/C W ML 0,

F. W. HILD UNIVERSAL ROTARY EQUIPMENT FOR EARTH DRILLING 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Mar 5, 1923 'QIIIIW" ATTORNEY.

F. W. HILD UNIVERSAL ROTARY EQUIPMENT FOR EARTH DRILLING Filed March 5, 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 2& 126' V I 112 I 35x I (34 X6 '25 133 x 42 l v 4642 1 1 27 I 4 a i 33 42' 5/ '3 4 226 45 53 I I a? 125-1 126 v 43 12 11a 4 INVENTORT 1 FREDE/P/C W MLD, h

A TT ORNE Y.

W BY I Dec. 9,1924; 1,518,325

F. w. HILD UNIVERSAL ROTARY EQUIPMENT FOR EARTH DRILLING Filed March 3, 1923 s s t -sh t s RAM 11/ ATTORNEY.

Patented Dee 9-, 1924.

nanometre nrmrfor Los marinas, camro'nmm unwaasunors'mr Eounmr non min; DRILLING. f

Application filed am n a, 1923. Serial No. 322,582.

To all whom it may concern: j Be it known that I, Fmnmmo W. H111), citizen of the United States, residing at 'Los Angeles, in-the count of Los Angeles and State of California, ave invented anew and useful Universal Rotary Equipment for specification.

This, invention Earth Drilling, of which the following is a relates [to the rotary method of earth, boring, In this system, the

string of drilling tools is made up. of a suitable bit screwed into the bottom of the dr ll rod' which consists of rods or pipes screwed together; the upper end of the; drill rod. isscrewed into a square "or fluted drill stem this stem is screwed intoj a swiveL' The whole string is-vertically h nged to a mast or derrick by-means of a suitable blockand tackle, which en ages the swivel.

This-string tools is rotated by what s "commonly designated th rotary machine which'is placed on suitable supports on-the.

ground or the derrick floor directly over the hole. The square or fluted drill stem passes through alike shaped opening in therotary machine.- The rotarymachines hitherto in common use, 1s a ci-rcular'rotatmg table member driven by alpinion which in'turn is split or hinged are employed to impart ro-' driven b suitablebelt, chain, or gear drive.

A plura ity' of bushings-which are usually 'tatio-n to the drill-stem andalso to support the drill, rod. or pipe. when it is'necessary to add or remove rods or pipe. Thus the center .of the rotary table receives first amaster bushing. The master bushingis usually of square. or fluted formation at the'upper end thereof'and of conical formation at thelower. end thereof'and the master bushing, which" is split into two sections, has the same ex- 1 terior formation-as the interior of opening-fin the rotating. table member. fThemaster bushing-is prepared to receive a drive bushing through which the rotation ofthe,

table member. is transferred-to the drill stem. ,The openin the master bushing I thereof and of conical formation at the lower Y portion thereof.- If the stem employed which receives t e drive bushing is also squared or fluted at the upper end besqua'reor fluted in cross section,"a-corresponding hble is provided in the drive bush- *ing through which the drill stem may slide longitudinally as' the progresses,'

position, thus where which positively rotates the drill stem, the drill rod, and the cutting tool as thetable 1s rotate l f During the driving of the drill stem, the stresses placed upon the rotating :table are comparativelysmall, but when pipe is'being raised or lowered 'within the well, tapered slips or wedges are provided between the pipe and the master bushing -for gripping and holding the string of pipe in any desiredlacing considerable weight .and expansive orce. upon the master'bu'sm ing andthe rotary members. This expansive force E is,

E 7' 2 tan A .-W ==the .weight of the string ottools or p 4 A=the angle of the .taper of the wedges "or'slips; The angle -'A is necessarily small, some,-

.'times about 9, andyvhen along string is thus-supported, the expansive force is about 3.16 times the weight of the string. That is,

a. string weighing about 100,000 pounds imparts not only the stress due to its weight,

but also about 316,000 pounds expansive or bursting. force to the maste'rbushing and-the rota table. vIt follows thenthat all. the rotat ng members must of necessity be heavy "and massive in the hitherto rotary e uipment. In --most rotary machines, ba 'or roller bearings are used. The heavy weights placed 'onthe rotating table and bushingmust be carried bythese.

I III-the making up" or breakingoutfof a.

string of pipe,.the rotary machineis at times Y employed for screwing up or unscrewing the joints. In order to accomplish this with the ordinary. type of table, the top stand ofpipe which is being unscrewed from the drill pipe string is held. stationary while the string of pipe held by slips in'the master bushing is' 'rotated by revolving the rotary tab1e', thus causing the unscrewing of the joint between a the stand of pipe to be removed and the string .of pipe. .T-hispractice of rotating a heavy string of pipe, by the .rotary table causes excessive stresses tobe placed in the roller or ball bearings and the races by which the rotary table is supported upon the base cast chip and break and the races to be abraded;

The disruption of the surfaces soon results in unsatisfactory rotating conditions and vibration in the equipment.

In other hitherto rotary machines havng special provision for using the rotat- 111g members to make up or break out pipe or drill rods, the operator must first prepare the machine for holding the pipe stastionary by shifting levers and by other additional-manual operations. Nevertheless the workman can at his option disregard the special provisions and may rotate the pipe while it is being carried by the rotating members.

In the hitherto typesof rotary machine, the master bushing partially fills the opening through which pipe or casing may be .passed and supported by the machine. Thus 12 inch pipe is the largest size which.

can be handled by a rotary machine that will pass a 20 inch bit so when larger pipe must be set, the machine must be pulled aside and the pipe set by other means; or-

else,'a much larger and more massive machine must be used.

But greater diameter and greater mass cause greater inerita and greater momentum, which are very serious factors in the machinery for earth boring. Manifestly,

the greater the momentum or fly wheel ef fect of the rotary machine, the greater the liability of distorting and twisting off the long slender drill; and, the more the iner' ia, the greater are the stresses and theliability to breakage of the chains, gearing and driv ing mechanism. Furthermore, the fly Wheel effect due to the large diameter and heavy massive construction of the rotating mem bers, restricts the permissible speed of rotation of the 'drill' and correspondingly restricts the rate of drilling the hole;

One object of my invention is to provide a rotary drilling equipment in which the rotating members are always free of the heavy weights and expansive forces now imposed by the strings of drill rods or pipe.

Another object'of the invention is to provide a drilling equipment employing a single rotary table which may be utilized to make up and breakout a'string of pipe or drill rods without the possibility of rotating the machine supported string of pipe or drill rod.

Another object of the invention is to achieve the minimum mass and diameter 7 of the rotary table and drive bushing, consistent with proper mechanical-strength and with the physical dimensions of the bits and pipe to be handled, andthereby reduce the momentum and inertia of the rotating members to the attainable minimum.

When handling a string of casing that is passed through, but not supported by, the hotherto rotary machines, it has been customary to place a spider or step ringon a suitable foundation or subbase underneath the rotary machine. This necessitates workmen under the derrick to perform the essential operations of manipulating the pipe supporting means. Such proceeding, un-

' satisfactory and risky at best, is prohibitive in the frequent work of making up or breaking out drill pipe, on account of the serious risk of personal injury to the workmen, the

uncertain resultant work and the excessive co'st; Likewise it is equally dangerous and impractical to do such work from above on the derrick floor, if the pipe supporting means are below the rotary table. Ex

perience has shown that these means must be at or near the upper surface of the rotary table for rcliable and efficient results.

One of the important objects of this invention is to dispose the pipe supporting member in the best working position, and as later described, this member may project above the surface of the rotary table.

In the hitherto rotary machines, the lubrication of most of the rotating members is applied directly to the parts by hand. This is usuallynncertain and irregular and is generally either excessive or insufficient. It is an object of this invention to provide automatic and properly controlled lubrication for all the bearings of the machine.

In-the hitherto rotary machines, numerous manual operations are necessary when removing the drive bushing and the master bushing because of hand operated locks. latches levers and clamps.

A furtherobject of this invention is to eliminate these manual operations, clamps and locks and to simplify the latching of the drive bushing by causing the latch for this to operate automatically to open and close when inserting or removing the bar or hook used to lift the drive bushing out of or into the rotary table.

In the hitherto rotary machines when us ing bits larger than the circular opening through the machine, the workmen must go under the derrick floor and screw the bit to the drill pipe from beneath the machine. There is risk of dropping the bit in the hole, and this risk also obtains when smaller bits are screwed to the pipe by the rotary table. v

Inaddition to the other objects, this invention enables the passage of much larger fishtail or flat bits through the machine so that in fact the largest practical size now in ill) use can be passed through even though the i machine herein described is much smaller in diameter than any of the hitherto rotary machines having like pipe size capacity. Furthermore means are rovided by this'invention for holding the its so they cannot fall into the hole while being attached or reinoved from the drill pipe.

Other objects of myinvention will become evident from the detailed description herein taken in conjunctionwith the drawings.

My invention provides a rotary machine which consists of a rotary table mounted upon a base frame and driven in the customary manner. The machine also includes a hold down bracket, a sin le drive bushing which maybe solid or spllt or hinged, one or more slip rings, slip ring elevators, slips, a hook for lifting the drive bushing into or out of the rotary table and a bit bracket for holding bits when attaching or. removing the latter to the drill pipe.

The rotary table is employed solely for rotating purposes, such as the rotating of the drill stem, or for rotating the upper stand of a string of pipe or drill rods-for the purpose of making up or breaking out the string.

Owing to the fact that no heavy loads due tothe drill rods or. pipe are sustained,

' for the passage of the pipe.

. and rotation.

the rotating members are made of weight and mass sufficient only for the comparatively light duty of rotating the drill stem. As no master bushing is employed, the retary table has a relatively larger opening Accordingly its diameter and mass and therefore its inertia are relatively less than the hitherto rotary machines. I

- In this opening and situated entirely within the rotary table, but not touching it,

is the pipe supporting member which is a simple slip ring having a tapered hole for receiving slips or wedges for gripping the pipe against both downward displacement The slip ring rests on the upper surface of the base frame and projects upward to or above the surface of the rotary table. It is held in position against rotation and upward displacement either by an ordinary bolt engaging the base "or as in the referred form herein described,

by a lug which engages the base.

, By the use of'the arrangement above de-.

scribed, it is possible to support a string of drill pipe or casing within t e hole without any of the weight nor the resultant expansive force thereof being placed upon the rotaxzy table or its bearings. Furthermore, the string of drill pipe or casing thus supported in the hole cannot be rotated; but lengths of pipe can be screwed onto or from the upper end of the supported string by means of suitable tongs driven by the table and rotating said table in the direction to cause the screwing up or unscrewing of the joint.

The manipulation of the slips and the work of handling the pipe can all be done safely andeliiciently' on the derrick floor and in the most favorable working position.

The drive bushing is novel and a distinct improvement. Its sole function is to transmit the rotation of the table to the drill stem during the drilling operations, which as before stated is comparatively light duty.

It is not. required to transmit heavy weights nor expansive forces to the rotary table, be-

cause the square or fluted drillstem moves freely in longitudinal'direction through the center of the drive bushing. Thus the latter is relatively much lighter than other bushing and rotating gripping devices and it therefore contributes substantially to the reduction of Weight and inertia of the rotating members of this invention. This drive bushing engages the rotary table directly, positively and'tightly. The circular, conical, tapered surface of the lower outer portion causes the bushing to fit tightly into the corresponding surface in the table. If the bushing is split or hinged,1 this forces the halves closely and tightly together, and furthermore accurately and rigidly centers the drill stem opening.

economy of material and space, so that the top of the rotary table is brought closer to the machine base and the derrick floor than in the hitherto machines. Thereby this invention realizes another of its objects because the requirement of the table close to the floor is highly important to facilitate the work in the various machineoperations.

The base has important novel features. The circular opening for passing the pipe is further enlarged by two slots diamet-ically opposite each other. As the bit must always be larger in diameter than the casing so as to insure clearance for the latter, these slots permit the passage of flatbits suitable for the largest casing that can be passed through the machine. Therefore, all the operations of affixing and detaching the maximum size bit is done above the derrick floor.

Other advantages of the invention and further objects thereof wil be made evident hereinafte Referring to the drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which rotary equipment is employed in well drilling.

Fig. 2 is a condensed partly sectioned plan view of a rotary embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section take-n upon a plane represented by the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 1, showing the manner in which the rotary is equipped to accommodate the handling of large casing.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section view similar to Fig. 3 showing the manner in which a string of drill pipe may be made up or broken out by use of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view similar, to Fig. 5 showing the manner in which the stationary socket may be removed by the special attachment which my invention provides.

Fig. 7 is afragmentary detail taken as indicated by the arrow 7 in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of the rotary table with the drive bushing thereof removed and a tool jack inserted for the purpose of holding the rotary bit against rotation While a string of drill pipe is being attached therto.

Fig. 9 is a sectional viewtaken on' a plane represented by the line 9 9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a section taken as re 'n'esented by the line 1010'in Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section through the stationary socket and pipe and slips which are employed in the socket for gripping the pipe against dropping or rotation.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section taken as indicated by theline12-12 for the purpose of illustrating the details of the construction of the tool jack.

- respondifg to Fig. 13, but showing the Fig. 13 is a fragmentary plan view of the base casting indicated at A in Fig. 2,

showing to enlarged scale the improved oil;

ing system for the bearing rages-.

Rig. 14 is/afrag1nefitary elevation corhold down ring in place upon the base. This elevation is taken as indicated by the arrow A in Fig. 2.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary section taken on a plane represented by the line 1515 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is anenlarged plan view of that portion of the hold-down ring shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a face view of the end of the.

hold-down ring segments, and is taken on a plane represented by the line 17 17 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary section taken on a plane represented by the line 18 18 of Flg. 2, showing in enlarged size, the drive bushing lock my lnvention incorporates. Ir.

this view the latch element thereof is shown in retracted position.

Fig. 19 is a view of the drive bushii'ig lock shown in Fig. 18, and is taken as indicated by the arrow B in Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a view showing an alternative means for removing the stationary socket.

As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1, it is customary in the rotary system of drilling to mount a rotary machine 11 upon the floor 12 of a derrick 14. Through the rotary table. 15 of the rotary outfit 11, and supported from a swivel head 16 which is suspended by tackle 19, there extends a drill stem 20 which is generally of square cross section. This drill stem is attached by means of a tool joint 21 to a string of drill pipe 22 having a bit 23 attached at the lower end thereof for the purpose of penetrating the subter ranean formations. My invention concerns chiefly the rotary 11 and equipment associated therewith.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawmg I provide a cast base frame 25 which supports at the forward end thereof a rotary table 26 having bevel gear teeth 27 formed upon its underside which are engaged by a bevel pinion 28 supported upon a drive shaft 29 sustained in suitable bearings 30. The shaft 29 may be rotated by any convenient means such as chain or gears. As a matter of simplicity, I show a standard form of sprocket 32 which is keyed to the shaft 29 and may be driven from the draw works by a chain in the customary manner. The rotary table 26 has a large opening 33 therein which is of polygonal formation at the upper end thereof, as indicated at 3a in Fig. 2, and merges as indicated at 35 with a conical formation at the lower end thereof. The base frame 25 has a circular opening 37 formed therein concentric with, and of but slightly smaller diameter than, the opening 33 in the rotary table 26. In a suitably formed annular channel 38 surrounding the opening 37 there is placed a lower ball race 39 upon which conical rollers 40 roll. The rotary table 26 provides an inner circular wall 12 which extends downwardly from the conical portion 35 of the opening 33 across the inner faces of the rollers 40 to the base, indicated at 48 in Fig. 4. just below the edge of the lower race 39. In an annular recess 44 formed between the inner wall 42 and an outer wall 45 an upper race 46 is placed. The rotary table 26 is secured down by an improved form of hold-down ring 48 provided with oil receptacles 49 from whence ample lubrication is delivered through oil passages 50 to the frictional engaging surfaces of the member48, and the rotary member 26 The opening 37 provided in the base 25 is enclosed by a circular ring or lip 52 having diametral notches 53 formed therein as shown in Fig. 6. As

lll)

- misses Y is shown in Fig. 3 a forged or cast socket is supported upon the ring 52 and has a short cylindrical extension 56 which is chamfered' off at the lower edge thereof, as indicated at 57, and extends downwardly into the opening 37, thus being held centralized with the rotary table 26. Thain terior face 59 presented by the socket 55 is of inverted cone shape, as shown, and may be made of such size that the lower end of the conical opening :60 will accommodate the largest size of drill pipe employed. The socket 55 has two projections 62 diametrally disposed around the extension 56, which projections extend into the notches 53 and prevent rotation of the socket 55. A pin '63 may be employed as indicated in F ig.-3

eter casing, {a socket such as indicated. at 65' in Fig. 4' is employed. This socket has its smallestdiameter 66 substantially. equal to the diameter of the opening 37 of the ring 52 and expands iin conical form as the upper end thereof is approached, as shown at 67 Downwardly projecting lugs 68 are pro-. vided which extend into the notch '53 to dl prevent rotation of the socket and holes 70 are provided into which the bolt 63 may extend to' hold the member 66 against being raised.

1 manner thatit will be'readi y" rotated For the purpose of driving the drill stem- 71 shown in Fig. 3 a drive bushing 72, which may be divided into halves 73 and 74. as shown in Fig. 2, is employed. Thefdrive bushing has the upper portion 75 thereof of the same polygonal outline as the upper portion 34 of the opening 33 in the rotary table 26 while. the lower-flange'portion of the bushing 72 is in the form of a cone 77 which fits'the conical portion 35 of the openmg 33.v 'lhrougha centrally-disposed hub 7 8 there extends a. squared hole -7 9, through 3 which the drill-stem 71 is slidable,'and which the ,drill stem is enga ed insuch a the table 26.

As shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing,

invention readilyadaptes itself'tothe making upxof a string of casing or drill pipe.

In this figure I show a string of drillpl e 80 having a box end 81 ofa tool joint at t e upper end thereof. This string of drill pipe 80 is supported against dropping and also against rotation by slips 8.2 and 83 which operate between the interior conical face 59 of the socket 55, and the exterior face of the drill pipe 80, with a wedging action which securely sustains the string .of drill pipe.' As shown in the sectional view, .Fig. 11, one slip 83 may beemployed for the purpose of preventing the rotation of the drill pipe- 80' and a pair of the slips 82 may be employed to .grip the pipe againstdownward movement. It will be perceived that the slips 82 have horizontal teeth 84 formed therein,.while slip 83 is provided with vertical teeth 85. The weight of the drill pipe 80 causes the'slips 82 and 83 to be firmly wedged between the pipe and the socket 55, thus causing the imbedment of-the teeth 84 and 85. of the slips in the face of the drill pipe. The weight of alength of drill pipe supported in the manner just described is received entirely by the socket 55 and is transferred through the frame 25 to the derrick sills; the. expansion stresses of the slips, however, are received by and confined to the socket 55. p

Above the box end 81 .of the tool joint 87 of a tool joint situated on the lower end of a stand of drill pipe 88, this stand 88 is being attached to the upper end of drill stem by screwing together the ends 81 and 87 constituting the tool joint. As before mentioned the string of drill pipe 80 is held stationary in the sockets 55. Therefore, the screwing up of the joint is accomplished by rotating the stand 88. This isdone by means of pipe tongs 90 having a short lever or hane extension 91 whereby it may be supported by a member-92 which is held upon a pin 93 placed in one of the pin holes 94.-

-provided in the table '26, as shown in Fig.

6. The up er end of the pin 93 extends as N .shown in Fig. 5, is illustrated. the pin end I into a hole ormed in the member 92, and a .screw 95 which is-screwed into the pin 93 and operates ina slot 96 formed in the attachment 92 prevents the member 92 from beinglifted ofi'the pin. Withthe clamp 90 placed in engagementwith the stand 88 as shown in Fig. 5, it is possible-by rotat mgthe table to cause the tool joint to be screwed up. -Casing 'niay be made up in the same manner,- and, my reversing the re.- tationof the table joints in drill pipe and easing may be broken. v Q

.It will be perceived that-the member 92 is slidable upon the in 93 and that as a joint is made or bro en and the stand 88.

is raised .or lowered, the member 92 either raises of lowers upon the pin 93 so that no strains are placed upon the rotary table 26 or the pin 93.v

In the standard type of rotary table it is, as before-mentioned, customary to brake out pipe by holding the stand 88 stationary and rotating the' st'ring of drill pipe 80 thereunderneath by rotating the table in which the string of drill pipe is supported by slips. This manner of breaking joints is a matter 'of natural consequence with the standard form of rotary equipment owing to the fact that drill pipe or small sized casing being lowered in the well is supported, through the use of slips, by the rotary table. The weight of a string of pipe often approaches and at times exceed 100,000 pounds. It will be recognized that such stresses upon the rotary table are excessive and that the rotation of the table when supporting such a weight is very detrimental to the roller bearings upon which the table is supported, causing their rapid deterioration as previously mentioned herein.

From the preceding description of my invention, it will be plainly evident that the placing of excessive weight, such as the weight of a string of drill pipe or casing, on the rotating elements of the rotary machine is entirely impossible; and therefore misuse of the rotary equipment in this respect is likewise impossible as no provision is made for supporting pipe from the table 26. During the making up of a drill pipe or casing string, the weight of such string is supported by the socket 55., and during therotation of the drilling string the weight thereof is su ported from the swivel head 16.

W en it is desired to set a casing which is of larger diameter than the socket 55 will accommodate, this socket may be removed, as shown in Fig. 6, and a larger size socket such as shown at 65 seated upon the ring 52. This removal of the socket 55 is accomplished by the use of a slip ring elevator which is comprised of a pair of cooperating members 101 which are of conical outline as indicated at 102 and are of an interior diameter to fit closely around the drill pipe indicated at 103. These members are dropped down into the socket 55 and the loops 105 thereof are placed over hook formations 106 which are constructed by forming U shaped channels 107 in the upper edge of the socket member 55 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. When the socket 55 is thus engaged by the loops, the drill pipe 103 is lifted, causing the collar or tool joint 109 upon the lower end thereof to engage the lower extremity 110 of the elevator 100, thereupon transferring through the loops 105 the lifting action of the string of drill pipe, with the result that the socket 55 is raised through the rotary table 26, as shown in Fig. 6, and may be kept upon the drill pipe until its further use is required; whereupon the drill pipe is lowered through the rotary and the socket 55 deposited upon the ring 52. It will. be noticed that the upper edge of the ring 52 is chamfered off as indicated at 112. This is done for the, purpose of providing a guide or flare which assists in contralizing the socket 55 as it is lowered in the bore 37 of the ring 52.

My inventionalso provides an attachment for use in screwing the drill pipe upon the bit which is to be employed for drilling, thus making it possible to make up the entire drilling string with my device and thereby eliminating manual screwing up of any joints therein. -\s shown in Figs. 8 and 9, for the purpose of holding a drill bit while the drill pipe 116 is being connected thereto, I employ a jack '11; which provides a horizontal slot 110 into which the blade 120 of the bit: 115 is dropped, as shown in the view. lVhenheltl in this manner by the jack 118, the drill hit is sustained against rotation while the drill pipe string 116 is screwed th rein by the employment of tongs 90 in the manner shown in Fig. 5. This jack 118 may be very simply formed from a pair of angles 122 placed with their downwardly extending legs 123 facing, as shown at Fig. .12. and connecting the ends thereof together by means of U straps 125 which are bent to the correct width to be received in the notches 53 in the ring 52, thus supporting the jack so that it will not rotate. Laterally extend ing angle arms 126 may be employed, if desired, for obstructing and bridging the opening on each side of the jack and also furnishing an additional stabilizing sup port therefor.

The improved form of holddown ring 4:8 which my invention employs ompletely encircles the lower portion of the. table 26 as shown in Fig. 9. This ring 48 is preferably made of segments 130 which are provided with outstanding flanges 131 and 131 as shown in Figs. 16 and 17 so that the segments of the hold-down ring may be bolted together as shown at 132 and may also be bolted down upon the plates 133 provided upon the forward corners of the base frame 25. These base plates 133 are raised portions on the frame disposed in four positions around the lower ball race and are provided with holes 134 into which studs 135 as shown in Fig. 14 are placed which pass through holes 136, indicated in Fig. 17, in the horizontally extending" fianges at the lower edges of the segments 130 for the purpose of securingv the holddown ring upon the shims 137 situated upon the plates 133. The frame 25 is secured on the derrick floor by anchor bdlts 139, shown in Fig. 13, which extends through holes 1 10. The hold-downring segments 130 provide a continuous substantially vertical circular web 142 which extends entirely around the lower portion of the rotary table, except at that point where it extends between the channel 45 in the rotary member and the drive pinion28. At this point which is indicated at 144 in Fig. 3,

I the web 142 is interrupted and the lIlWjII'dly projecting ring 144 which is formed at the upper ed e of the web 42 extends alone between the rive pinion 28 and the rotary table 26. The openings 50 are drilled into the oil receptacles 49 from an annular groove 145 formed in the inner face of the ring- 144. This roove is provided with a felt oil distributing Std 146 which by absorption regulates'the iibw of oil through the openin s 50. The oil receptacles 49 are preferzilily formed integrally .with the flanges 131 and are situated above the bolts 132.

Positive means of lubrication are provided as shown in Figs. 13. 14 and 15 in the form of'oil receptacles 148 comprised of vertical walls 149 which are cast integrally with the base 25 and located in positions adjacent to the rearward hold-down ring mounting plates 133, and in alignment with the drive pinion28 so that the drive pinion housing 151 may be bolted on the top of the receptacles 148 by cap screws 152 which thread into openings 153. The housing 151 does not extend entirelv across the receptacles 148 but has doors or covers 155 hinged thereto as shown in Fig. 1 which covers may be raised to permit the pouring of oil through removable screens 156 into the oil receptacles.

As shown clearlyin Fi s. 13 and 15, a hole 160 is'drilled down rom the bottom 161 of the receptacle 148 and a sloping hole 163 is drilled from the annular recess 164 in which the' lower ball race 39 is placed and communicates with the hole 160 which is referably of sufiicient depth as shown in ig. 15 to rovide a sediment trap which may havea ho e 167 drilled thereinto from the side of the casting 25 as indicated in dotted lines in Fig.13 for use as a clean out which may be ordinarily closed b a cap or plug 168. Grooves cut in the ace oi the ball race 39 and the face of the recess 164 cooperate in forming an annular channel 17 0 through which oil from the receptacles 148 may circulate. Radial holes 171 are drilled at intervals through the vertical wall of the race 39 through which oil from the channel 170 is distributed through the rollers 40.

- threaded central opening 173 therein, into which a screw 174 extends. This screw is relieved ona slope as indicated at 175 so that by changing the length to which the screw enters the plug 172, the oilpassage may be regulated. A spring 176 is .provided for retaining the'screw 174;in set position and engages a notch formed in I the headof the screw so thatthe rotation of the screw is thereby prevente In the hitherto rotary machines, the lubrication is not regular, nor controlled; the bearings at times being flooded with an ex cess of lubricant and immediately thereafter allowed to run dry. My invention provides a positive, simple, and even distribution of lubricant.

- "In the present type of rotary machines, various means are employed for holding the drive bushing in seated position, certain of these means consisting of plates or collars which are bolted to the table and which extend over portions of the drive bushings.

Such devices require manual attention and thus constitute a source of additional labo and a consumption of time.

v My invention, however, provides a means halves of the drive bushing 72 has a pair of openings 180 formed therein to which ele- .vator hooks 181 shownin Fig. 18are extended for the purpose of engaging the un dersido of the web 182 of the bushing with the toe or hook portion 183 of the elevator hook in such a manner that the drive bushing may be conveniently lifted from the opening provided-in the table 26. The latch means as indicatedat 185'in Figs. 2 and 18 consist of bolts 186 which are situated in recesses 187 formed in the outer face of each portion of the drive bushing and extend rearwardly through openings 188 and have laterally extending pins .189 formed upon the inner end thereof. The inner end of the bolt 186 is also flattened as'indicated in Fig; 19 and extends through a vertical slot 190 in a lever 191 which ivots at 192 to the inner face of the conica portion of the drive bushing. The pins 189 rest against the outer faces 193 of the side portions 194 which define the slot 190. The upperend 195 of the lever 191 is bent inwardly as shown in Fi 18 so that this inner end 195' will cover t e opening 180 when the lever is in the position indicated by the dotted lines 196 in Fig. 19, and in full lines in Fig. 18. The spring 197 acts a ainst the head 198 and servesto hold the olts normally in the position indicated by the dotted lines 199. When the elevator hooks 181 are insertedin the o enings180, the lever 191 is pushed inward y into the position shown in full lines in Fig. 18 whereupon the engagement thereof with the pins 189- causes the retracting of the bolt 186 as shown in .full lines in the figure so that throughout the time that the hooks 181 are in lifting position the latch means 185is disposed in non-engaging position. The driv bushing may then be lifted freely from the rotary table 26 and when again inserted and the elevator hooks 181' removed, the latch means 185 will immediately become operative. This automatic operation of the latch means eliminates'the' labor now expended in; manually operating the various devices now employ'ed forholding down the drive bushings.

As shown in Fig. 20 I find it very convenient, instead of employing the elevator 100 to remove the socket 55, to provide outwardly extending lugs 200 upon the lower end of the drill shank or the lowest section of the line of drill tubing 201. It'will be,

seenfrom this view that upon removing the 'bit 202 from the well, the lugs 200 will engage the lower face of the socket and suitably rota-ted; a socket non-rotably mounted in said'opening in said supporting frame; and an-elevator cooperative with said string ,for lifting said socket from said frame.

2. In a rotary machine of the'class de scribed, thecombination of: a supporting frame having an opening therethrough; a rotary member supported above said opening for serviceas a drive member, said rotary member'having an opening therein through which a string may be passed; re-

' movable'eng'agement means associated with said rotary. member whereby said string may be suitably rotated; a socket non-rotably mounted in said opening in said supporting frame; an elevator cooperative with said string for lrftlng said socket; from sald frame; and slips, receivable in said socket,

- for gripping said string.

3. Inga rotary machine of the class described, the combination'of: a supporting framehavmg'an opening therethrough; a

' rotary member supported above said openmg for service as a drive member, said ro:

tary member having an opening therein through which a string may be passed; -removable engagement means associated with said rotary member whereby said string may be suitably rotated; a' socket non-rotabl v mounted in said opening in said supporting .frame; an elevator cooperative with said string for lifting said socket from. said frame; and slips, receivable in said socket, for gripping said string against downward movement and rotation.

4. In a rotary machine of the class described, the combination of: a supporting frame having an opening thercthrough; a rotary member supported above said onening for service as a drive member, said rotary member having an opening therein through which a string may be passed: rcmovable engagement means associated with said rotary member whereby said string ma v be suitably rotated; a socket, having a conical bore, non-rotably mounted in said opening in said supporting frame; and an clc-' vator cooperative with said string for lifting said socket from said frame, said clevator consisting of cooperating conical segments adapted to fitwithin said socket and around said string so as to be lifted by said string, and suspension engagement" means operative between the upper ends of said segments and thcuppcr portion of said socket for lifting said socket.

-5. Ina rotary machine of the class de scribed, the combination of: a supporting frame having an opening therethrough; a rotary member supported above said opening for service as a drive member, said rotary member. having an opening therein through which a string may be passed; removable engagement means associated with said rotary member whereby. said string may be suitably rotated; a socket, having, a conical bore, non-rotably mounted in said opening in said supporting frame; and an elevator (lo-operative with said string for lifting said socket from said frame, said elevator consisting of cooperating conical s zments. adapted to fit within said socket and around said string so as to be lifted by projections on said string, and suspensior en gagement means operative between the upper ends of said segments and the upper portion of said socket for lifting said socket.

6. In a rotary machine of the class described, the combination of: a supporting socket member adapted .to grip a string of pipe, which extends therethrough, with the cooperation of suitable'slips; a frame for' supporting said socket; and an elevator oooperative with said string for lifting said socket from said frame, said elevator eonslstmg of cooperating conical segments l adapted to fit within said socket and around said string'so as to be lifted by said string,

. and engagement means operative between said segments and said socket for lifting said socket.

7.'In a rotary machine of the class 'described, the combination of: 'a"s u pporting socket member adapted to gripa string of pine, which extends therethrough, with the erative with said string for lifting said socket from said frame, said elevator consisting of cooperating conical segments adapted to fit within said socket and around said string so as to be lifted by projections on said string, and engagement means operative between said segments and said socket for lifting said socket.

8. In a rotary machine of the class described, the combination of: a supporting socket member adapted to grip a string of pipe, which extends therethrough, with the cooperation of suitable slips; a frame for supporting said socket; and an elevator cooperative with said string for lifting said socket from said frame, said elevator consisting of cooperatin conical segments adapted to fit within sai socket, and around said string so as to be lifted by said string,.and suspension engagement means operative between the upper ends of said segments and the upper portion of said socket for lifting said socket. I

9. In a rotary machine of theclass .descr'bed, the combination of: a supporting soc et member adapted to grip a string of pipe which extends therethrough; with the cooperation of suitable slips; a frame forsupporting said socket; and an elevator cooperative withsaid string for lifting said socket from said frame, said elevator consisting of cooperating conical segments adapted to fit within said socket and around said string so as to be lifted by projections on said string, and suspension engagement means operative between the upper ends of said segments and the upper portion of said socket for lifting said socket.

l0. Inja' rotary machine of the class described, the combination of: a supporting base frame having an opening thereln; a 1'0- tary member upon said frame; means for driving said rotary member; a bearing be tween said frame and said rotary member; oil receptacles upon saidframe from which oil is distributed through ducts to said bear-' ing; and means for regulating the flow of oil from said receptacles to said bearin 11. In a rotary machine of thecass described, the combination of: a, supporting base frame having an opening therein; a-ro-- tary member upon said frame; means for driving said rotary member,- said means including a drive pinion; a bearing between said frame and-said rotary member; and

oil receptacle on said frame uponeach side of said drive pinion, from which rece tacles oil is distributed through ducts to sai hearing; and adjustable means for regulating the flow of oil from said receptacles to 'said bearing, a pinion housing member secured upon and extending between said oil receptacles, the ends of said'housing partially covagainst droppin ering said receptacles; and covershinged to sand ends of said housmg member, for cover,-

ing the remaining portion of said receptacles.

12. In a rotary machine of the class, described, the combination of: a member having a bushing .receiving opening therein; a bushing for said opening; locking bars supported in said bushing in such a manner that the ends thereof may extend outwardly intoopenings formed in the inner face of said member; springs for holding said locking bars outwardly; and means associated with said locking bars for withdrawing them from engagement with said openings, said means being actuated by the insertion of lifting means in suitable receptive openings in said bushing.

13. Ina rotary machine of the class described, the-combination of: a member having a bushing receiving opening therein; a bushing for said opening; locking bars sup; ported in said bushingin such a manner that the ends thereof may extend outwardly into openings formed in the inner face of said member; springs for-holding said lock n' means being actuated by the insertion oflifting means in suitable receptive openings in. sald bushing, said means consisting of levers disposed with the upper ends thereof obscuring said receptive openings when said locking bars are in extended position.

14. In a rotary machine of the class described, the combination of: a supporting frame having an opening therein through which a drill bit ma pass; a rotary table supported above sai frame opening; and having also an opening through which said bit may ass; and means supported in said opening in said frame for holding said bit against dropping and rotation while the drill pipe to which said tool is attachable is screwed thereto by said rotary table.

15. In a rotary machine of the class de scribed, the combination of: a supporting frame having an opening therein through which atool may pass; a rotary table supmg also an opening throughwhich said tool may pass; and means supported in said opening. in said frame for holding said tool and [rotation while the drill pipe to which said tool is attached is screwed thereto by said rotar table.

16. In a rotary machine 0' the class described, the combination of: a supporting frame having an opening therein through which a .tool may pass; a rotary table supported above said frame-opening, and having also an opening through which said tool may pass; and means supported by said frame, in a position concentric with said openingtherein, for holding said tool against dropping and rotation while the drill pipe.

- to which-said tool is attached is screwed scribed, the combination of: a supportingse vi ed with outwardly extending thereto. by said rotary table '17..[n' a rotary machlne of the class deframe; a rotary tablesupported upon said frame, said table having a radially extending annular-projection; and a continuous segmental hold-down ring extending entirely around said table and engaging said annular projection thereupon in a manner to prevent upward relative movement of said table, the

cuts of said hold-down ring bein proflanges whereby the segments may be bolted to gether in continuous circular arrangement,

flanges for bolting said hold-down ring to.

. 19. An elevator for lifting a loose socket surrounding a string of pipe, said elevator consisting of a plurality of bushing segments, adapted to fit between the pipe and the socket,- the interior bore of said bushing segments being less than the 'exterior diameter of the pipe eou lings; and, suitable links for engaging said ushing segments withthe socket.

20. In a. rotary machine of the class de- 'scribed,.the combination of: a rotary table having agroove in its outer periphery;.a base framesupporting said rotary table; a removable retaining ring secured to the base frame and fittin into the groove in said rotary table; said retaining ring having a or correspondingmaterial for oil absorbing and distributing purpose.

21. In rotary drilling equipment, the combination of: a rotary'itable; means supporting said rotary table; a removable string supporting member. concentrically disposed within said rotary table; and alstring having 1 projections formed on the lower end thereof whereby said removable member is lifted from operative position and retained upon the lower end of said string in readiness for replacement when .said StIIII isagain lowered through said rotary table.

2 2. In'rotary drilling equipment, the combination offafrotary table; means supporting said rotary table; a removable string supporting member concentrically disposed 'within said rotary table, said strin sup;

porting member consisting of a C011t1I1UOllS- ring; and a string having projections formed a on the lower end thereof whereby said removable member is lifted from operative position and retained upon the lower end of said string in readiness for replacement when said string is again lowered through said rotary table. i

23; In rotary well drilling equipment,'the

combination of: a support; a rotary tablev f turnably mounted on said support, saidtable having a centralized bushing receiving openmg therelnof a size to pass a drill of maxi- -mum dimensions; a drive bushing for said opening; locking members operative between said table ail dsaid drive bushing; and means" associated with sald bushing for disengaging said locking means, said means being actuate by the insertion of lifting means in suitable receptive openings in said bushing.

24, In rotary well drilhng equipment, the combination of: a support; arotary table turnably mounted on said support, saidtable having a centralized'bushing receiving open.- ing-therei'n, a drive bushing r'or said opening; locking members operative between said table and said drive bushing; and means associated with said bushing for disengaging said locking means, said means being actuated by the insertion of lifting means in suitable receptiveopen'ings in said bushing. smaller groove for. recelving awick. of wool In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at Los Angeles. California, this 23rd day of February,- 1923;

FREDERIG W. HILD 

